Some senior dogs become picky eaters as they age — their sense of smell may decrease, or they may simply lose interest in foods they've eaten their whole lives. Duck is a particularly flavourful protein that can tempt even the fussiest senior appetites. Combined with naturally sweet potato and fragrant rosemary, this dinner has an enticing aroma and rich taste that often wins over reluctant eaters.
At a Glance
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4–6 meals (adjust for dog size) |
| Suitable For | Senior dogs (7+ years), fussy eaters, appetite loss |
Ingredients
- 400g duck breast (skin removed), diced
- 1 medium sweet potato, cubed
- 1/2 cup carrots, sliced
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1 cup bone broth
- 1 teaspoon rosemary, dried
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Cook diced duck for 5–6 minutes until golden.
- Add sweet potato, carrots, and rosemary.
- Pour in bone broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 20 minutes until sweet potato is very soft.
- Add peas in the last 5 minutes.
- Mash some of the sweet potato to thicken the dish.
- Cool before serving. Serve slightly warm for enhanced aroma.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Notes
Duck is richer and more aromatic than chicken, making it appealing to dogs with reduced appetite or sense of smell. The higher fat content (even with skin removed) provides extra calories for seniors that may be losing weight. Sweet potato is easy to digest and provides sustained energy. Rosemary is a dog-safe herb with antioxidant properties that adds appealing fragrance.
Tips
- Removing the duck skin significantly reduces the fat content while keeping the flavour.
- Warming food slightly releases more aroma — helpful for seniors with reduced sense of smell.
- For very fussy seniors, try pouring a little warm bone broth over the top just before serving.
- Rich foods like duck can help seniors that are losing weight maintain condition.
More from Dogsy & Co
Keep your pup happy and safe with personalised ID tags:
